Pope Francis had two episodes of 'acute respiratory insufficiency', Vatican says
A woman holds a candle as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, leads the recitation of the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis' health in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday, March 3, 2025. (Photo: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday (Mar 3) and required the use of non-invasive, mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than two weeks. He was admitted on Feb 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.
"Today, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus," the latest detailed medical update said.
The pope also suffered a bronchospasm, akin to an asthma attack, which required doctors to perform two bronchoscopies, or procedures to inspect his air passages.
The pope's prognosis remained "guarded", the statement said, which means he is not out of danger.
A Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to discuss the pope's health, said the pontiff's blood tests on Monday had remained stable.
CONTINUED CONCERNS
The pope's doctors believe the respiratory episode was part of his body's normal response in fighting infection, the official added.
There had been relatively upbeat statements about Pope Francis' condition over the weekend, after a previous bronchospasm on Friday.
The pope received ventilation after that earlier episode, but switched on Sunday to receiving oxygen from a small tube placed under his nose.
Pope Francis has experienced several bouts of ill health over the last two years and is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe.
He has not been seen in public since entering hospital, his longest absence from view since his papacy started in March 2013, and his doctors have not said how long his treatment might last.
